The United Nations has ruled that the laws prohibiting abortion in Ireland violate the human rights of women living there. Abortion is illegal in Ireland even in cases of rape, incest, or non-viable pregnancy. Doctors can face criminal charges for encouraging women to have an abortion. Insist Ireland create a referendum to revoke these draconian laws and protect the rights of its female citizens.

Because abortion is illegal in Ireland, abortion seekers must travel to England or Wales. Last year, over 3,400 women came to England or Wales to obtain an abortion. The United Nations case revolves around an Irish woman, Amanda Mellet, who was forced to go to England to terminate a fetus with critical developmental defects. These defects were so serious that the fetus would have died soon after leaving the womb had the pregnancy been carried to term.

Ms. Mellet did not receive proper medical care when she returned to Ireland. The United Nations committee said, “[Ms. Mellet was] denied the bereavement counseling and medical care available to women who miscarry” and that “[her] suffering was aggravated by the obstacles she faced in getting information about the appropriate medical options.”

Ms. Mellet’s case is not the worst of what women in Ireland have endured. Their country’s failure to legalize abortion can have tragic consequences. One woman, Savita Halappanavar, was killed during a miscarriage after doctors refused to perform an abortion that could have saved her. The ban on doctors advocating for or carrying out abortion places Irish women at increased health risks.

Ireland’s laws on abortion are outdated and dangerous. Urge Prime Minister Kenny to hold a referendum and give Irish women the modern healthcare they deserve.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Prime Minister Kenny,

Ireland’s strict ban on abortion must end. The United Nations has ruled that it violates human rights. They have called it cruel, degrading, and discriminatory. In addition, 87 percent of Irish citizens are in favor of relaxing abortion restrictions. Listen to those citizens and to the international community and uphold the rights of your female constituents.

The United Nations verdict concerns a woman named Amanda Mellet who was forced to travel to England to abort a fetus that could not have survived outside the womb. Once back in Ireland, she did not receive adequate medical care. The United Nations committee asserted that “[Ms. Mellet was] denied the bereavement counseling and medical care available to women who miscarry” and that “[her] suffering was aggravated by the obstacles she faced in getting information about the appropriate medical options.”

The laws against abortion prevent women in Ireland from receiving proper medical care. Doctors are afraid to perform or educate women about abortion because they could be criminally charged. The can create tragic outcomes, as in the case of Savita Halappanavar, who died during a miscarriage after doctors refused to give her an abortion.

Women are prevented from getting the healthcare they need because of Irish law’s rigid stance on abortion. Most Irish citizens favor loosening this stance. Let their voices be heard and defend the rights of Irish women.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Steve FE

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